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Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels appoint new Group Human Resources Director

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Joanne BrownMaldives.net.mv – Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, the management group that operates the Coco Resorts : Hotels : Retreats properties, has appointed Ms Joanne Brown as their new Group Human Resources Director, effective March 01. Joanne is based in the group’s stylish resort Coco Bodu Hithi, only 40 minutes from the capital Male, where she will travel frequently to support the HR and management team in the company’s newly built Head Office.

Joanne has forged a strong bond with the Maldives and its people over the years, as she served at some of the foremost hospitality brands with a presence in this small island nation, like Six Senses, Per Aquum, and Jumeirah. Originally from Australia, Joanne started her hospitality career early on with a stint in the Retail sector of the Hyatt Regency Coolum, before she endeavored on her successful path to becoming a recognized Human Resources authority. This path led her through several countries – she went from Hyatt Regency Coolum, to the Radisson Resort Gold Coast Australia, on to Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, and Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, amongst others – and exposed her to a variety of proven as well as newly created strategies to develop hospitality talent.

“I have a passion for delivering best practice HR, what I call ‘Heart HR’, and I take pride in having been instrumental in ensuring that many of my former junior colleagues have grown into successful professionals in their fields. I am proud to have been selected to head up the HR initiatives at Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels, and look forward to implement the COO’s vision for the company when it comes to employee management and to ensure the continued growth of our team members and resorts alike”, comments Joanne Brown, new Group HR Director for Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels.

Joanne is recognized for her success in training and employee management and, in her most recent position, she was in charge of more than 350 team members and redesigned the existing Performance Management system to better support the individual professional growth of each associate. In her role as Group Human Resources Director for Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, Joanne will support Mr. Nick Simmonds, the COO of the group, in implementing new training programmes and methods to empower team members, so that smooth operations and satisfied employees will go hand in hand.

Drink

Baros Maldives welcomes Italian winemaker Maria Stella for exclusive wine dinner

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There is something special about discovering a place through its wines. This November, Baros Maldives invites guests to experience a taste of Tuscany with an exclusive wine dinner celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of Poliziano, hosted by third-generation winemaker Maria Stella.

Set against the beautiful ocean backdrop of The Lighthouse Restaurant, the intimate evening will take place on Sunday 29 November 2026, at 7 pm, bringing together fine wines, thoughtfully prepared cuisine and the pleasure of sharing a table.

Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Poliziano has long been guided by a deep connection to its land and the traditions of its region. Its name reflects both its Tuscan home and a tribute to Renaissance poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano. Over the decades, the winery has remained true to its origins, producing wines that speak of their landscape, heritage and the people behind them.

Leading the evening, Maria Stella will share the story of Poliziano through a selection of its wines, offering guests a personal perspective on the family’s winemaking heritage and the philosophy that continues to shape the estate.

Each wine will be accompanied by a specially created dinner course, with pairings designed to bring out the character of both the glass and the plate.

Limited to just 16 guests, the dinner is intended to be as much about the company and conversation as it is about the wines themselves. An evening to slow down, discover something new and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food and wine in wonderful surroundings.

The experience is priced at USD 235 per guest, inclusive of the specially curated dinner menu and wine pairings. Advance reservations are essential, with seating limited to 16 guests.

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Venue: The Lighthouse Restaurant, Baros Maldives

For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.

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Food

Michelin-starred Chef Charles Coulombeau to host exclusive residency at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi

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V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will welcome Michelin-starred French chef Charles Coulombeau from 26 to 28 November 2026.

The three-day programme opens with sunset cocktails and canapés, followed by a fine dining evening at Muraka Restaurant and a special cooking class with the chef.

Coulombeau leads the kitchen at La Maison dans le Parc in Nancy, France, which holds one Michelin star. His cooking pairs modern French technique with influences from his time in Japan, bringing ingredients such as citrus and seaweed into dishes shaped by seasonal produce.

The culinary programme:

  • Thursday, 26 November | Sunset cocktails and canapés. The programme opens with sunset cocktails and Michelin-inspired canapés, offering guests a first taste of the chef’s approach ahead of Friday’s fine dining event.
  • Friday, 27 November | Fine dining at Muraka Restaurant. Coulombeau will present a special dinner at the resort’s overwater Muraka Restaurant, where guests can experience his modern French cooking overlooking the Indian Ocean.
  • Saturday, 28 November | Special Cooking Class. Guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from Coulombeau and explore some of the techniques behind his cooking.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection offers an intimate island retreat in the Maldives, with beach and overwater accommodation, dining overlooking the ocean, and experiences on and beneath the water.

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Dr Tridendra Shakya to lead wellness residency at Finolhu Maldives

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome renowned wellness practitioner Dr Tridendra Shakya for an exclusive residency at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, the residency invites guests to explore a more mindful approach to wellbeing through personalised treatments, traditional healing practices and restorative experiences.

Hailing from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr Shakya brings 17 years of experience in naturopathy and holistic wellbeing, drawing upon ancient Eastern healing philosophies and contemporary wellness practices. His approach centres on understanding each individual’s needs, combining therapeutic techniques with lifestyle guidance to encourage relaxation, balance and a deeper connection between mind and body.

Throughout his seven-week residency, Dr Shakya will offer a carefully curated selection of therapies encompassing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, manipulative massage and therapeutic yoga. Personalised wellness consultations, incorporating pulse diagnosis alongside lifestyle and nutritional guidance, will allow guests to explore treatments tailored to their individual wellbeing goals.

Among the signature experiences is Yin & Pin, a combination of gentle passive stretching and acupuncture designed to encourage deep relaxation and release muscular tension. Acu-Massage brings together acupuncture, Marma point massage and traditional cupping techniques, while the Head to Toe Reviver draws upon the principles of reflexology to provide a restorative experience particularly suited to travellers seeking relaxation after a long journey.

The programme also explores the relationship between movement, breath and mindfulness. Therapeutic yoga sessions incorporate supportive postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques adapted to individual needs. Guests can also discover Motion Meditation, blending the graceful movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong with mindful breathing, or experience Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that encourages profound relaxation and mental stillness.

For those seeking a more personalised wellness journey, the residency includes specialised experiences focusing on sleep, stress management, spinal care and traditional yogic cleansing practices. Each experience begins with an assessment, allowing Dr Shakya to tailor his approach to the guest’s individual preferences and wellbeing objectives.

The residency complements Finolhu’s existing wellness offering at Fehi Spa, where the island’s natural beauty provides an inviting setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by turquoise waters, powder-soft beaches and lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers an opportunity to step away from everyday routines and embrace a slower, more considered pace of life.

With its distinctive blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design and immersive island experiences, Finolhu continues to introduce thoughtfully curated programmes that enrich the guest journey. Dr. Shakya’s residency adds a new dimension to the resort’s wellness offering, inviting guests to incorporate moments of restoration and self-discovery into their Maldivian escape.

Dr Tridendra Shakya’s residency will take place at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Complimentary initial consultations are available, with advance reservations recommended. For further information or reservations, guests may visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.

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